Traveling alone can be thrilling but also scary — particularly as a woman. As a female solo traveler who has traveled alone to more than five countries, including Morocco, France, Norway, Finland, Germany, and Estonia, I’ve pulled together my best advice to get you started on your first solo trip abroad.
First, examine what’s holding you back. Traveling abroad solo not only involves taking a flight alone but also eating most meals alone, going to museums or cultural attractions alone, and navigating a new city by yourself. You might find yourself thinking:
- What will other people think?
- If something goes wrong, who will help me?
- What if I get lonely?
These are all valid questions. Keep in mind that your trip is only a temporary change of pace and scenery. You’ll return to the regular schedule of your life, social engagements, and family obligations when you get home. Consider a solo trip a gift to yourself that can boost your independence and confidence. And always do your research into the phone numbers for local emergency services, just in case.
Consider a solo trip a gift to yourself that can boost your independence and confidence.
The benefits of solo travel
- You get to go where you want to go: Solo travel allows you to experience a new country or city even if you’re the only person in your life who wants to go there.
- You can indulge your inner introvert, observe your surroundings, sit in silence, and journal quietly.
- You get to meet new people.
- You can do what you want, when you want. Take a nap when you need to, eat when you’re hungry, and stay as long as you like in that one cozy cafe with your book. You have the say in how you spend each and every day on your solo trip.
Here’s how to plan your first solo trip:
- Start out small: Book yourself a domestic, weekend getaway. Maybe one you can drive to within 4-5 hours.
- Find a group: Schedule a guided tour or group experience through a platform like Airbnb to situate yourself with your new city.
- Pack light: As a solo traveler you need to be able to carry all your bags yourself at all times. Make sure your valuables are always within eyesight. Someone offering you help with your bags may be genuine but they also might run away with your bags and purchases in hand.
- Look for a compromise solution: Are you not quite ready to book a flight and travel abroad completely on your own?
- Book a group trip without knowing anyone, like my yoga retreat in Morocco. You get the support and security of the group environment but can still experience the thrill of going somewhere and trying something new.
- Or fly alone to a new country where your friends or family already live. You’ll fly there alone but can stay with them for a few days and go on mini, solo travel excursions. You could also stay in an additional city completely on your own before flying out. I did this when I visited my cousin in Finland. I stayed with her in Turku for a few days and also spent a few days on my own in Helsinki and took a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia. That made for a perfect balance!
Safety first
- Do your research: See if other women have solo traveled to your destination. What was their experience, and how can you learn from it?
- Plan excursions during daylight hours to minimize your time exploring a new city alone at night.
- Buy a door stop to firmly shut the door in your accommodation.
- Share your detailed itinerary with a partner, family member, or friend and keep them updated at least 1-2 times per day.
I hope this inspires you to take your first solo trip abroad. If you have experience traveling alone, comment your advice in the comments section below!
